Scalable, reconfigurable, laser combiner

ABSTRACT

Modular electrical, mechanical and optical components allow for the building of a laser combiner system that can be used, for example, for biological research that allows different lasers to be easily added to or removed from a laser system. Each individual laser can be packaged into a module which can be added to or taken away from the laser system with relative ease. Each of the modules can be controlled via a control module that allows one or more of varying of power levels, switching on/off, shutter control and diagnostic/status information monitoring.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application claims the benefit of and priority under 35 U.S.C.§119(e) to U.S. Patent Application No. 60/984,971, filed Nov. 2, 2007,entitled “Scalable, Reconfigurable, Laser Combiner,” which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Lasers have become more widely used in most technical areas of researchin commercial products. The recent introduction of solid-state lasermodules that are much smaller and longer lasting than gas lasers hasexpanded the number and scope of laser applications. For example, in thebiomedical field, lasers are being increasingly used for imaging anddiagnostics. A confocal microscope, for example, is usually used with alaser for imaging.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to laser systems. More specifically, anexemplary embodiment of this invention relates to a modular, scalable,and reconfigurable laser combiner. Even more specifically, an exemplaryembodiment of the invention relates to a modular, stackable lasercombiner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Most single, solid-state laser modules have only one wavelength output.Many applications require more than one laser at different wavelengths.In the example of the confocal microscope, having multiple availablewavelengths allows multiple channel imaging for different contrastagents. A common way to combine laser beams is to use a polychromaticmirror (dichroic) to reflect one laser beam along the path of another.Typical applications of this sort require precise alignment of the twobeams. In particular, if the output of the combined laser beams will becoupled into a fiber optic cable, the beams must be precisely aligned toeach other and the fiber. Because of this, great care must be taken withissues such as mechanical stability, vibration isolation, and thermalexpansion. A typical solution would have the lasers, combining opticsand fiber on a single solid platform.

A single solid platform can solve the issues of stability, but forcommercial systems it requires reconfiguration of the internal optics tochange the system by adding a laser, for example. As lasers areexpensive, often customers want to pick and choose the most appropriatewavelengths for their application which is not necessarily the standardcommercial offering. This leads to a large number of customized systems.

In addition to simply combining laser beams, many applications requirefast control of the output wavelengths and intensity. In particular,many applications require fast shuttering of the individual beams sothat one or more of the available wavelengths can be selected as theoutput as well as general shuttering functionality, e.g., the ability toturn on/off all the lasers. Many applications also require a means toindividually control the output intensity of the various beams. This canbe done with mechanical shutters and neutral density filter wheels. Thiscan also be accomplished with particular models of lasers by controllingthe lasers directly with electrical signals or commands. For some pastapplications, acousto-optics were used to simultaneously control thewavelengths and intensity of the beams.

Accordingly, one exemplary embodiment of the invention is directedtoward a modular electrical, mechanical and optical system for buildinga laser combiner system that can be used, for example, for biologicalresearch that allows different lasers to be easily combined andrecombined into a complete system. Each individual laser can be packagedinto a module which can be added to or taken away from a complete systemwith relative ease. This aids manufacturing, because a laser can bebuilt into a module without necessarily requiring the complete system.The individual modules can be quickly combined into a complete systemthereby also enabling easily field-upgradeable systems.

One laser combiner system uses between one and six lasers to form about62 different optional combinations. This results in a large number ofpossible configurations, which makes each system essentially custom.With this typical laser combiner system, all the lasers that go in thesystem and all the optics are required to begin production of thesystem. Upgrading this system by, for example, adding a laser, usuallyrequires remanufacture of the whole system, and at least is verydifficult to do in the field.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention,each laser option is built into a separate module that can be “stacked”with other modules to form a combined laser. Each exemplary modulecomprises the laser, power supply, electronics and combiner optics.Individual modules can be held rigidly relative to all the othermodules, with a mechanical (inter)locking system. In accordance withthis exemplary embodiment, there is a top module, which goes on top ofthe stack of laser modules which handles the laser switching, control,shutter, etc. This means that instead of hundreds of possible lasercombiner systems, there only needs to be seven different modules builtfor any possible configuration. Additional modules can handle extrafeatures such as multiple output switching, high-speed modulation, laserscanning, and the like. Because this new module system is completelyexpandable, it is no longer limited to only six lasers. To field upgradea system would only require inserting a new module into the stack.

Modules can preferably be stacked such that higher wavelength lasers arealways below shorter wavelength lasers. Dichroics are used to combinebeams. They are chosen such that the dichroic in a given moduletransmits any wavelengths higher than the wavelength of that module'slaser. The desired output is controlled, for example, by a tunablefilter or by shutters in front of the individual lasers.

Each module can also include one or more electrical connectors whichreceive input from the module above it and passes the input to themodule below it. The inputs can include, for example, power, electricalcontrol signals, laser safety signals, on/off signals and lights, andthe like. A simple jumper system can allow the module to know whichlayer it is in the stack.

According to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there isprovided an apparatus for packaging individual laser modules into amechanical structure that can be combined with other such structuressuch that Individual laser modules are combined with beam alignmentoptics, combining optics, electronics, heat sinks, and mechanical and/orthermal stabilization into one mechanical unit (stack).

Stacks can be mechanically attached to other stacks to form a combinedlaser beam.

Stacks can be combined in any quantity as the availability of lasers andcombining optics will allow.

Additional non-laser stacks can be placed between laser stacks or afterlaser-stacks to add required optics such as shutters or acousto-opticsfor controlling the laser beam intensities.

The final output of the combined beams can be aligned into a fiber opticor other optical system, e.g., free space, which moves the beam to whereit is used. A mechanical structure that can be attached to the stacksholds said optical system.

The exemplary apparatus can comprise:

One or more laser modules with different wavelength outputs.Means for steering the beams with respect to each other for alignmentpurposes.Means for combining the different beams into a single beam.Means for controlling the intensity of individual beams either byturning them off and on or by attenuating the beams or both.Means for maintaining the alignment between the combined beam and thedevice that uses the combined beam.Means for managing heat if the environment and laser modules require it.An example system that would have three output wavelengths would have:A stack with a 488 nm laser module.A stack with a 561 nm laser module.A stack with a 640 nm laser module.A poly-chromatic acousto-optical modulator for controlling the beamintensities.A fiber output.

In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, the connections madebetween stacks include:

1) mechanical (stable, alignment maintaining);2) optical (usually dichroics [polychromatic beamsplitters], but couldbe prisms, acousto-optical beamsplitters, grating, polarizedbeamsplitter); and3) electrical (unless the electronics are external to the stacks).

Optional connections include:

1) Thermal (air cooling, liquid cooling, thermo-electric cooling)2) Laser safety (interlock system, shutter(s))3) Access for aligning and maintenance without separating stacks4) Laser “control” means (turning on/off rapidly specific laser lines,power control of individual lines) include:

-   -   1) AOTF=acousto-optical tunable filter (also called PCAOM=poly        chromatic acousto optical modulator)    -   2) AOM=acousto optical modulator (usually one is needed for each        laser line)    -   3) Shutter (one for each laser, or one master shutter usually        for laser safety)    -   4) ND wheel=neutral density wheel (a mechanical way to control        power intensity)    -   5) Direct laser electronic control (some lasers may be        controlled directly via external voltages/signals or via        computer commands—for example, many diode lasers can be        controlled this way)    -   6) Pockel's cell (for very fast intensity control)    -   7) Rotating waveplate and analyzer (one for each line, or for        all lines)

Having a modular system such as this has the advantage that individuallaser modules can be packaged into their stack and each such stack canbe identical for the same model of laser. These pre-assembled stacks canthen be combined in a relatively quick manner to form a complete lasersystem. The number of separate manufactured entities is now equal to thenumber of possible lasers instead of the number of possible lasercombinations which is much greater. For example, if there are sixappropriate lasers for a given field of interest, this invention wouldrequire the design and manufacture of six individual entities (plusthose needed for intensity control) whereas a conventional means wouldrequire 62 possible entities. Another exemplary advantage is that acustomer's laser system can be relatively easily upgraded by adding alaser.

When designing such a modular system great care must be taken with themechanical design. The stacks must be able to attach to each otherrigidly. Beam alignment must be maintained in the particular environmentwhere the device will be used. This environment can include vibrations,motion and thermal shifts.

Because the system is designed to be flexible so that any number ofbeams can be added together, an appropriate way to combine the beams isto use long pass dichroics, such that the laser to be combined into thebeam is reflected by the dichroic. All lasers of longer wavelength aretransmitted. This requires the stacks be combined in order ofwavelength.

Aspects of the invention are thus directed toward a laser system.

Still further aspects of the invention are directed toward a modular,scalable laser system.

Even further aspects of the invention are directed toward a modular,scalable laser combiner system.

Still further aspects of the invention are directed toward a controlmodule working in cooperation with one or more laser modules.

Even further aspects of the invention are directed toward a plurality ofstackable laser modules controlled by a controlled module which outputsa combined laser beam.

Still further aspects of the invention relate to mechanical alignmentmechanism or a plurality of laser modules.

Even further aspects of the invention relate to a mechanical alignmentmechanism for a plurality of laser modules and a control module.

Still further aspects of the invention relate to an apparatus for acombined laser system including:

one or more laser modules with different wavelength outputs;means for steering the beams with respect to each other for alignmentpurposes;means for combining the different beams into a single beam;means for controlling the intensity of individual beams either byturning them off and on or by attenuating the beams or both;means for maintaining the alignment between the combined beam and thedevice that uses the combined beam;means for managing heat if the environment and laser modules require it(each laser module can be packaged into a mechanical entity with itsnecessary optics and electronics. These entities can then bemechanically combined into a complete system with combined laser beams);mechanical means for rigidly attaching these entities together.

The aspect above, where the laser modules are solid-state laser modules.

The aspect above, where the means for steering the beam consists ofmirrors in mechanically adjustable mounts.

The aspect above, where the means for controlling the intensities ofindividual lasers includes mechanical shutters for each laser.

The aspect above, where the means for controlling intensities includesneutral density filter wheels.

The aspect above, where a final mechanical shutter is used to block alloutgoing laser beams.

The aspect above where the means for controlling intensities includesacousto-optical devices for each individual laser.

The aspect above, where the means for controlling intensities includesan acousto-optical device for multiple laser beams simultaneously.

The aspect above, where the acousto-optical device is a poly-chromaticacousto-optic modulator.

The aspect above, where the means for controlling intensities includesdirect electronic control of the laser modules including electronicsignaling or digital or serial commands via an interface.

The aspect above, where the means for controlling intensities ispackaged into a separate mechanical entity that can be introducedbetween or after the laser entities.

The aspect above, where the output optics or fiber optic is mechanicallyattached to the end of the chain of laser entities.

The aspect above, where the individual laser entities of the combinedmay be combined or removed without requiring re-alignment of the system.

The aspect above, where the electrical signals required for theindividual laser modules are routed through the system such that theentire system can be controlled with one interface (connector).

The aspect above, where the electrical power required for the individuallaser modules are routed through the system such that the entire systemcan be powered with one input.

The aspect above, where an optical switching device is used to directthe output between 2 or more different output paths.

The aspect above, where the switching device contains a moving mirror.

These and other features and advantages of this invention are describedand, or are apparent from, the following detailed description of theexemplary embodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described in detail,with reference to the following figures wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates an environmental perspective view and functionalequivalent view of the exemplary laser system according to thisinvention;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary control module according to thisinvention;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary laser module according to thisinvention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a bracket of one embodiments ofthe present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of the exemplary bracket accordingto this invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a partial perspective view of a base plate thatreceives a base portion and a head portion of the bracket according toan exemplary embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the base plate includinginterconnected bracket bases and heads according to this invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the base plate showing thebrackets and plurality of mounts attached thereto according to anexemplary embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary component view of the control moduleaccording to this invention; and

FIG. 10 illustrates another exemplary view of the laser system accordingto this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The exemplary embodiments of this invention will be described inrelation to lasers, laser systems, and associated components. However,it should be appreciated that, in general, known components will not bedescribed in detail. For purposes of explanation, numerous details areset forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the presentinvention. It should be appreciated however that the present inventionmay be practiced in a variety of ways beyond the specific details setforth herein.

Furthermore, while the exemplary embodiments illustrated herein showvarious components of the system collocated, it is to be appreciatedthat various components of the system can be rearranged within the lasersystem such as in one or more of the described modules. Thus, it shouldbe appreciated that the components of the system can be combined intoone or more modules, or rearranged without necessarily changing theunderlying functionality. Additionally, while the stack is shown in avertical orientation, it need not be vertically oriented and could behorizontal or in general in any orientation. Furthermore, it should beappreciated that various illustrated links, connecting the elements canbe wired or wireless links, or any combination thereof, or any otherknown or later developed element(s) that is capable of supplying and/orcommunicating data and/or power to and from the connected elements. Theterm “module” as used herein can refer to any known or later developedhardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof that is capable ofperforming the functionality associated with that element. The terms“determine,” “calculate” and “compute,” and variations thereof, as usedherein are used interchangeably and include any type of methodology,process, mathematical operation or technique.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the laser system 1according to this invention. The exemplary laser system 1 can be usedfor such applications as: SDC (Spinning Disk Confocal Imaging), confocalimaging, TIRF (Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence), FLIM(Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy), photo activation, photobleaching, photo ablation, photo wounding, FCS (Fluorescence CorrelationSpectroscopy), cytometry, fluorescence imaging, or the like.

In operation, a control module is mechanically associated with one ormore laser modules as described in greater detail hereinafter. Theoutputs of the various laser modules are combined via a beam combiner(s)380 as the laser is fed up through the stack of modules as illustratedin the inset of FIG. 1.

For example, a first laser originates in stack 1 is combined with thelaser from stack 2 with the cooperation of the beam splitter 380 andfurther combined with the lasers through stack N and output via thetunable filter 240 and laser safety master shutter 242 via the fibermount 90. The controller stack provides control of the various stacks aswell as enables the stack to be daisy-chained together for power,control, and/or cooling. Additionally, status and/or control lights canbe placed on each module within the stack to provide an indication ofthat particular module's operational state.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary control module 200 according to thisinvention. Control module 200 includes a power supply and controller210, USB hub 215, cooling mechanism 220 (which may include one or moreof a cooling plate or heat sink, fins, cooling tubes, a fan or the likeand associated connectors), an Acousto-Optic Tunable Filter (AOTF)controller 230, an acousto-optic tunable filter and optional shutter240, cooling connectors 250, cooling lines 260, a power connector 270,power and control links 290 and pass-through cooling lines 280. Thecontrol module 200 provides control of the output of the laser system 1through varying one or more of the AOTF 240, shutter and/or power to thevarious laser modules. The AOTF 240 acts as a shutter in the outputlaser beam path and is capable of being turned on and off very quickly.The power supply and controller 210 as well as the USB hub 215 allowcontrol of the various laser modules within the laser system. Controlcommands from the power supply and controller 210 can be sent via link290 to the various other modules that allow such things as turning onand off, varying of power levels, temperature and/or diagnosticsmonitoring, and the like. Intensities of the various lasers can bevaried by, for example, power regulation, neutral density filter wheelsand the like. Control information and various outputs, status indicatorsand the like can be forwarded to, for example, a display (not shown)and/or regulated through a software application having a graphical userinterface.

The cooling connectors 250 and associated lines 260 and 280 allow thelaser system to be connected to, for example, an external coolingdevice, such as those used in personal computer applications. Thecooling connectors in cooperation with the cooling lines 260 and 280allow cooling, such as a cooling fluid, to be passed to a cooling plate255. The fluid is circulated through the cooling mechanism(s) and out toa pump and cooling mechanism (not shown) that cools the fluid.

Each of the various modules can include a comparable cooling device 220to help maintain thermal stability amongst the various modules. Thecoolant can be supplied serially from a first module to the othermodules or supplied individually to each module. Furthermore, thecooling need not be done via fluid type coolant but could also be donewith air cooling.

The power connector 270 allows the control module to be supplied powerfrom a power source. It should be appreciated however that a powerconnector 270 could be included on every module as well as associatedon/off switches, power indicating lights, and the like.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary laser module 300. The laser module 300includes various components mounted on a base plate 14. These componentsinclude a controller 310, cooling device 320, laser source 330, mirror360, mirror adjustment screws 350, a beam combiner 380, combined laser390, beam combiner adjustment screws 370 and a cable/hose routing port305 all enclosed in housing 340.

In operation, and at the direction of the controller 310, a laser isemitted from the laser source 330, reflected off of mirror 360 andoptionally combined with one or more other upstream lasers at the beamcombiner 380 to produce the combined laser 390.

The output of the laser source 330 can be aligned via one or more of theadjustment screws 350 and 370 to align the laser output from the lasermodule 300. As with the control module 200, the laser module 300 caninclude a cooling device 320, such as a plate that receives coolingfluid from the coolant lines 280 that can optionally be routed to othermodules within the laser system. Intensities of the various laser can becontrolled electronically via control signals and/or modulated with anintensity module (that can be placed in a similar housing as the lasermodule and control modules) and interposed between, for example, twolaser modules or between a laser module and a control module.Additionally, an optical switching device could be associated with thesystem to direct an output, e.g., the combined laser, between 2 or moredifferent output paths, with the switching device optionally including amoving mirror.

With reference to FIGS. 4-10, the construction of an exemplaryembodiment of the modules will be discussed with reference to thefollowing components:

Base 26 Base plate 14 Bracket 10 Post face 54 Riser face 58 Fiber holder90 Foot 34 Head 22 Laser generator 18 Laser housing 6 Laser mount 74Mirror mount 78 Panel 70 Post 46 Recess 66 Riser 38 Set screw 30 Stack 2Tapped hole 42 Through hole 62 Top plate 86 Top surface 50 Lower baseplate 82

Referring now to FIGS. 4-10, a stack 2 of laser housings 6 is shown thatare interconnected by brackets 10. More specifically, the stack 2 iscomprised of a plurality of vertically aligned laser housings 6. Eachlaser housing 6 is comprised generally of a base plate 14 that is spacedfrom the base plate 14 of an adjacent laser housing by at least onebracket 10. The brackets 10 are designed to secure adjacent laserhousings 6 in such a way to allow for the optimum alignment andcombination of beams produced by laser generators 18 located in eachlaser housing 6. The brackets 10 are generally comprised of a riser 38that is positioned between a head 22 and a base 26. The brackets 10facilitate interconnection of laser housings 6 and ensure properalignment of each laser housing 6 in the stack 2.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, a bracket of one embodiment of thepresent invention is shown. The brackets 10 of embodiments of thepresent invention include the head 22 that is selectively interconnectedto the base 26 via the riser 38. The base 26 also includes a foot 34 forengagement onto the base plate 14. The riser 38 and base 26 may beunitary or selectively interconnected to each other. The riser 38includes a plurality of holes, such as a tapped holes 42, that receivefasteners for interconnection of a panel that forms a side of the laserhousing, which will be described in further detail below. The tappedholes 42 may be threaded, or, alternatively, be adapted to receive athreaded insert. The holes may also frictionally or otherwise engage afastener. The head 22 of the bracket 10 also includes a post 46extending therefrom. The post 46 and head 22 may be of unitaryconstruction or be selectively interconnected to each other by at leastone fastener, for example. The head 22 includes a top surface 50 forengagement onto a bottom surface of the base plate. The post 46 alsoincludes a face 54 that engages a face 58 of the riser 38 to properlyposition the head 22 with respect to the base 26. That is, theengagement of the post face 54 and the riser face 58 preventssubstantial rotation of the head 22 relative to the base 26. Preferably,a set screw 30 is placed through a through hole 62 of the base 26 andthreaded into a tapped hole 42 in the post 46 to interconnect the head22 to the base 26. This interconnection scheme allows the head 22 bedisassociated from the riser 38 from the outside of the laser housing.The base 26, the riser 38 and the head 22 may each include a recess 66for receipt of a panel 70 that defines a sidewall of the laser housing6, which will be described in further detail with respect to FIG. 7.However, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the panels maysimply be interconnected via adhesives, hook and loop fasteners,magnets, etc., to an outer surface of the head 22 of the base 26 and/orthe riser 38.

Referring additionally now to FIGS. 6 and 7, the base plate 14 ispositioned between the base 26 and the head 22 wherein a fastener (notshown) secures the assembly via through holes 62 integrated into each ofthe bracket portions. It will be appreciated that the post 46 offsetsthe base plate 14 from a work surface and, thus, allows a user to liftthe subassembly 11 comprised of heads 22, bases 26 and risers 38, andthe base plate 14. It is contemplated that a plurality ofbases/heads/risers be added to the base plate 14 initially wherein lasermounts 74 and mirror mounts 78 are subsequently added to the base plate14. Finally, the laser 18 would be added to at least one base plate 14of the stack which is designed to produce a laser beam that is coupledwith other laser beams produced in other laser housings of the stack.

Referring now to the figures, the stack 2 is defined by a plurality ofvertically interconnected laser housings 6. Initially, a lower baseplate 82 would be positioned and a plurality of bracket bases withassociated risers 38 interconnected thereto. As shown, the bases 26positioned adjacent to the corners of the base plate 14. One skilled inthe art will appreciate, however, that the bases 26 of any shape arecontemplated and that the brackets 10 do not necessarily have to belocated at the corners of the base plate 14. It is, however, desirous tolocate the brackets 10 on an outside surface of the laser housing sothat the set screws 30 are located in such a way to facilitate assemblyof the stack 2. A subassembly 11 with associated heads 22 on one side ofthe base plate 14 and bracket bases 26 on another side, of the baseplate 14, would then be positioned atop the risers 38 associated withthe lower base plate 82. The heads 22 of the subassembly 11 are theninterconnected to the risers 38 associated with the lower base plate 82as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. A plurality of set screws 30 would then beused to firmly interconnect the heads, via the posts, to the risers 38.As shown, a hex headed set screw is provided. One skilled in the artwill appreciate that other types of fasteners may be used equally well.Additional subassemblies 11 are added as needed to form the completedstack 2. Finally, a plurality of panels 70 are interconnected to thebrackets 10 by way of fasteners (not shown) that engage the tapped holesprovided in the bracket 10. Preferably, the panels 70 are recessed intothe bracket 10 such that they are flush with a top plate 86 and baseplates 14, 82 of each laser housing 6. The panels 70 may beinterconnected alternatively to the bracket 10 via adhesives, hook andloop fasteners, magnets or any other selective interconnectiontechnique. To complete the assembly of fiber holder 90 may beinterconnected to the top plate 86. One skilled in the art willappreciate that the brackets 10 may also include lifting devicesassociated therewith to help position the completed stack. Likewise,other means of securing the head relative to the riser could be usedsuch as a post and receiving aperture, kinematic mounts, directfastening of the stacks together, the use of a matched base and topplates and interconnects that allow the stacks to be positionedhorizontally.

Referring again to FIGS. 4 and 5, the brackets 10 of embodiments of thepresent invention are made of machined metal. One skilled in the art,however, will appreciate that other materials, such as composites may beemployed without departing from the scope of the invention. It isdesirous to provide a bracket 10 that is less prone to thermalexpansions, thereby reducing the risk of laser and/or mirrormisalignments during heating and cooling of the stack 2. The head 22portion of the bracket 10 as described above, employs the post 46interconnected thereto. Preferably, a series of set screws 30 are usedto interconnect the head 22 to the post 46. One skilled in the art willappreciate that the head 22/post 46 may be a unitary component.Similarly, the riser 38 may be interconnected to the base 26 by way of aplurality of set screws. These components may also be formed ofone-piece construction. The riser 38 may be of any length and of anyshape. Preferably, the interconnected post 46 and riser 38 have aprismatic shape to facilitate angular alignments of adjacent laserhousings 6.

The exemplary techniques illustrated herein are not limited to thespecifically illustrated embodiments but can also be utilized with theother exemplary embodiments and each described feature is individuallyand separately claimable.

The systems of this invention can cooperate and interface with a specialpurpose computer, a programmed microprocessor or microcontroller andperipheral integrated circuit element(s), an ASIC or other integratedcircuit, a digital signal processor, a hard-wired electronic or logiccircuit such as discrete element circuit, a programmable logic devicesuch as PLD, PLA, FPGA, PAL, any comparable means, or the like.

Furthermore, the disclosed control methods and graphical user interfacesmay be readily implemented in software using object or object-orientedsoftware development environments that provide portable source code thatcan be used on a variety of computer or workstation platforms.Alternatively, the disclosed control methods may be implementedpartially or fully in hardware using standard logic circuits or VLSIdesign. Whether software or hardware is used to implement the systems inaccordance with this invention is dependent on the speed and/orefficiency requirements of the system, the particular function, and theparticular software or hardware systems or microprocessor ormicrocomputer systems being utilized.

It is therefore apparent that there has been provided, in accordancewith the present invention, a laser system. While this invention hasbeen described in conjunction with a number of embodiments, it isevident that many alternatives, modifications and variations would be orare apparent to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts.Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives,modifications, equivalents and variations that are within the spirit andscope of this invention.

1. A modular laser combiner system comprising: one or more laser moduleswith different wavelength outputs, each laser module including a beamcombiner; a control module including an acousto-optic tunable filter,the control module receiving a laser from one or more of the lasermodules and outputting the laser via the acousto-optic tunable filer;and one or more riser and head assemblies, the riser and head assembliesaligning the modules relative to one another.
 2. The system of claim 1,further comprising a respective adjustment mechanism to steer each laserwith respect to other lasers for alignment.
 3. The system of claim 1,further comprising a controller adapted to control the intensity ofindividual beams in the one or more laser modules by one or more ofturning them off and on and attenuating the beams.
 4. The system ofclaim 1, further comprising a fiber output.
 5. The system of claim 1,further comprising a cooling system.
 6. The system of claim 1, whereinthe laser modules include a solid-state laser
 7. The system of claim 2,wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises one or more mirrors inmechanically adjustable mounts.
 8. The system of claim 1, furtherincluding a mechanical shutter.
 9. The system of claim 1, furtherincluding a neutral density intensity modulating filter wheel.
 10. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein an acousto-optical tunable filter is includedin each laser module.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein where theacousto-optical tunable filter is a poly-chromatic acousto-opticmodulator.
 12. The system of claim 1, wherein laser intensities arevariable by direct electronic control of the laser modules by one ormore of electronic signaling and digital or serial commands via aninterface.
 13. The system of claim 1, further comprising an intensitymodule adapted to control laser intensity placed between two lasermodules or between a laser module and a control module.
 14. The systemof claim 1, wherein the one or more laser modules may be added orremoved from the laser combiner system without re-alignment of thesystem.
 15. The system of claim 1, further comprising an opticalswitching device adapted to direct an output between 2 or more differentoutput paths.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the switching deviceincludes a moving mirror.
 17. The system of claim 1, whereinsubassemblies maintain an alignment between the one or more lasers andthe control module.
 18. The system of claim 17, wherein each subassemblyincludes a head and a riser.
 19. The system of claim 18, wherein thehead and the riser secure adjacent laser housings.
 20. The system ofclaim 18, wherein the head and riser provide laser alignment between oneor more modules.
 21. A method of providing a laser comprising: providingone or more laser modules with different wavelength outputs, each lasermodule including a beam combiner; and providing a control moduleincluding an acousto-optic tunable filter, the control module receivinga laser from one or more of the laser modules and outputting the laservia the acousto-optic tunable filer, wherein one or more riser and headassemblies align the modules relative to one another.
 22. A laser systemcomprising: one or more laser modules, each laser module including abeam combiner; a control module including an acousto-optic tunablefilter, the control module receiving a laser from one or more of thelaser modules and outputting the laser via the acousto-optic tunablefiler; and means for aligning the modules relative to one another.